Tons of garbage have been removed from the mangrove areas in the wildlife refuge surrounding Luperon Bay, Puerto Plata province. The solid waste cleanup work is being carried out by personnel from the Ministry of Environment that is working hard inside the mangroves to clean out all the plastic bottles and other refuse that endanger the delicate ecosystem. In just one small area of less than 55 tareas by 185 tareas (1 tarea=629 square meters) over 185 very large garbage bags were filled with inorganic residue such as plastic bottles and cups and polyurethane plates and cans and plastic bags.
The refuse was carried to the mangroves around beautiful Luperon Bay by a number of streams that empty into the bay. The unsightly accumulation of trash is evidence of the reckless behavior of the residents in near-by communities who discard rubbish without being concerned of the consequences of their actions. Environmental expert Pablo Rodriguez explained that the mangroves are the most important vegetation surrounding Luperon Bay.
The protected area covers 258 km² and is an important habitant for terrestrial marine flora and fauna. Mangroves also provide a barrier against coastal erosion and act as a filter for nutrients and salts. It is estimated that two thirds of the fish in the world depend on mangroves in one or more of their life cycles since they also provide spawning areas and food for many species of birds and reptiles together with mollusks.
Employees of Fundacion Grupo M were in Luperon Beach to contribute to the clean up as part of the company’s Olitas Verdes and Limestone Park initiatives.
Read more in Spanish:
El Dia
El Caribe
15 October 2018
